Can I get a refund if I book a flight?

Yes, but not in all cases: if you change your mind, the refund mainly depends on the conditions of the fare you purchased. A non-refundable ticket generally does not entitle you to a refund of the ticket price if you cancel yourself; however, you may be able to recover certain taxes, depending on the ticket and applicable rules. With a refundable fare, you can request a refund according to the terms provided. Cancellation insurance can help, but only for reasons covered by the policy: read the exclusions before counting on it.

If the airline cancels the flight or significantly changes the schedule, you can normally choose between a refund and another flight, especially for a journey subject to European or American rules. For a flight covered by European Union rules, the refund is generally due under 7 days if you choose it; in the United States, a rule also provides for the possibility of cancelling free of charge within the 24 hours following the booking, under certain conditions, notably if the departure is at least 7 days. This is not a universal deadline valid everywhere.

Before paying, check the "refundable" mentions, the cancellation fees and who sold the ticket: airline or agency. If you tell me your country of departure and the fare you are considering, I can tell you which rule to look at.